Fun daily driver for £15k (Currently thinking a Cayman)

[V8OW]

Rather than bump my previous thread for a month or so ago, I thought it would be better to start a new one:

My lease Octavia VRS goes back next month, so I'm currently looking for its replacement. The Octavia has been fine, but I fancy something a bit different so I'm going down the used car route this time.

I don't do huge mileage, so running costs aren't a massive factor, but something that could do 30 mpg would be good.

Criteria:
Up to £15k
Acheivable 30mpg
Can carry a road bike (roof rack/bike rack) - this would be very occasional, so not a deal breaker.
Fun to drive
Not tiny (I'm 6'4)

I've currently narrowed it down to a 2.7 Cayman, and in fact made an offer on one yesterday, but the seller wouldn't budge on price (wasn't that keenly priced), so I've walked for now.

Until I cave and call him again, I thought I'd take the opportunity to have one last look at alternatives.

Others that I've considered:
GT86 - I still love the look of these, but not keen on the interior and the one I sat in was a bit snug.
Boxster - this was my original plan, but I do need to carry a bike occassionally.
Z4 28i/30i - as above, bike is tricky.
370Z - no real reason, but not keen.
TTS - again, no reason but not a fan.

Is there anything else that I should be looking at, or given the criteria would anyone choose one of the options above over the Cayman?

Also if you're looking to sell a tidy 2.7 Cayman let me know!

[Pistonheader101]

Cayman isnt a suitable daily for someone who is 6ft4.

[incognito]

It’ll be snug, but I don’t have issues in a 987 at 6’5

[idiotgap]

fossilfuelled is a cayman owning member on here who also used to own a bike shop. He told me he could get a road bike in.

[V8OW]

Pistonheader101 said:

Cayman isnt a suitable daily for someone who is 6ft4.

I've driven a couple, along with a Boxster and it was much better than I expected. Not as much space as my Skoda clearly, but my main concern was actually being able to fit in/operate the clutch!

idiotgap said:

fossilfuelled is a cayman owning member on here who also used to own a bike shop. He told me he could get a road bike in.

I think I've seen pictures of it being done, although I'd rather get a roof rack and stick it on there. The odd time I'll need it will be to get to/from a race, so would rather keep it in one piece if I can help it.

Having said that, the option of sticking it inside is another benefit of a Cayman over a Boxster!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd find it hard to look past the 370Z vs a 2.7 Cayman they're a very good steer as well as the obvious cache of having a Porsche, but I've really enjoyed the 370's I've driven, they're a driver's car & worth a test drive, I'm pretty sure I've seen Z4 coupes carrying bikes.

It sounds like you're ready to buy the Cayman you looked at but here's a 370Z/Z4 Coupe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[esuuv]

I ran a 987 Cayman as a daily for 40k, 4 years - and i'm 6'6 - will be fine.

it won't however do 30mpg - well maybe it will if you drive like a nun - but thats pretty unlikely i'd hope.

I also had to move bikes sometimes - Porsche roof bars are good, but take a bit of putting on - taking off, so i sold them got a sea sucker - which takes 30 seconds - bike front wheel fits in the rear boot.

Just keep in mind running costs - you always read on here about people running them for 40p a year and selling them for more than they paid - thats not the case - mine was 8 and had done 70k when I sold it, full OPC service warranty and stuff and it was just starting to go wrong - clutch switch, rattles, radiator pipes, radiators weren't amazing - just go in with your eyes open.

[Cavey]

Try a TTS out. They are more fun than the standard one and pretty tuneable. Your £15k could get a solid car and £3k of mods if you fancied it.

I'm running a modded one at the moment. It is still just aTT and doesn't have the appeal of a Cayman but it's making 330bhp and nearly as much torque and it's very entertaining!

[Trevor555]

esuuv said:

Just keep in mind running costs - you always read on here about people running them for 40p a year and selling them for more than they paid - thats not the case - mine was 8 and had done 70k when I sold it, full OPC service warranty and stuff and it was just starting to go wrong - clutch switch, rattles, radiator pipes, radiators weren't amazing - just go in with your eyes open.

Heed this advice.

The last one I was interested in I had an inspection done.

Exhaust blow when cold, studs probably wont come out easily.

Both aircon rads near end of life.

Clutch getting heavy.

Some aircon pipes close to end/life.

Slight oil leak.

Aux belt noisey

Told almost certainly would need a water pump.

Slight cold missfire, probable coil packs.

I was surprised at the amount required because the car was a really clean one, looked like it'd had mostly summer use.

Would have been a rather large bill to have all that done.

[akirk]

I replaced my leased octavia with an e39 m5
een has folding rear seats, if it didn't have such huge speakers in the boot you coud probably pop a bike in the boot...

[CrouchingWayne]

How firm is your budget? I've seen a few TT-RS's advertised for £18-20k and might be a nice balance between all your options. I've never driven one to comment much further on them though